Rebar securing device

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of a rebar securing device includes a first platform and a second platform. A frame is coupled to the first platform and the second platform. A first clamp is coupled to the frame, wherein a first rebar oriented along a first axis is receivable in the first clamp. A second clamp is coupled to the frame, wherein a second rebar oriented in a direction that is substantially parallel to the first axis is receivable the second clamp. A third clamp is located in the second platform, wherein a third rebar oriented along a second axis is receivable in the third clamp. A fourth clamp is located in the first platform, wherein a fourth rebar oriented along a third axis is receivable in the fourth clamp.

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/821,461 for REBAR SUPPORT filed on May 9, 2013, which is incorporated by reference for all that is disclosed therein.

BACKGROUND

In many construction projects, concrete is laid as a flat slab. For example, the concrete may be laid as a slab for a driveway or as a floor of a building. Rebar is placed in a form in which the concrete is pored. The rebar provides additional structural integrity and to keep the concrete from cracking. In order to be fully effective, the rebar is usually centered in the slap of concrete. For example, a slap that is six inches deep would have a layer of rebar at a level of approximately three inches. In order to further the effectiveness of rebar, it is typically laid in a grid pattern. Rebar extending in a first direction is intersected perpendicularly by rebar extending in a second direction. After the rebar is laid properly, the concrete is poured over it to form the slab.

One problem with laying the rebar is the difficulty in maintaining the rebar at the correct height above the bottom of the slab. Supports may be used to hold the rebar at a specific height, but the rebar is very stiff, so any inconsistencies in the heights of the supports will cause the height of the rebar to be incorrect. The inconsistencies in height may also occur by the perpendicular rebar in that rebar extending in one direction lays on top of rebar extending in the perpendicular direction. Another problem with laying rebar is that the rebar is tied together in order to keep it flat an on a single plane, which can be very time consuming.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of a rebar securing device includes a first platform and a second platform. A frame is coupled to the first platform and the second platform. A first clamp is coupled to the frame, wherein a first rebar oriented along a first axis is receivable in the first clamp. A second clamp is coupled to the frame, wherein a second rebar oriented in a direction that is substantially parallel to the first axis is receivable the second clamp. A third clamp is located in the second platform, wherein a third rebar oriented along a second axis is receivable in the third clamp. A fourth clamp is located in the first platform, wherein a fourth rebar oriented along a third axis is receivable in the fourth clamp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a rebar support.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the rebar support of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enhanced view of a side of the rebar support of FIG. 2 showing the first surface.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the support of FIG. 2 in a second configuration.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the support of FIG. 2 from the second side.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the support of FIG. 4 from the first side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Rebar securing devices are disclosed herein. A rebar securing device enables rebar to be placed at different heights and does not require that intersecting sections of rebar be tied together. An example of a rebar securing device 100 (sometimes referred to herein simply as a securing device 100) is shown in FIG. 1. The securing device 100 has four sides that are referred to as a first side 102, a second side 104, a third side 106, and a fourth side 108. The first side 102 is associated with a first platform 110 and the second side 104 is associated with a second platform 112. The first platform 110 has a first side 114 and the second platform 112 has a second side 116.

The securing device 100 may set on either the first surface 114 or the second surface 116 when in use. The securing device 100 as shown in FIG. 1 is set on the first surface 114, which is referred to as being in the first configuration. In some configurations, the securing device 100 sets on the second surface 116, which is referred to as the second configuration as described below. The securing device 110 sets on a surface, such as ground or other base materials, on which concrete is poured.

Additional reference is made to FIG. 2, which is a side elevation view of the securing device 100 of FIG. 1 in the first configuration wherein the securing device is set on the first surface 114. The surfaces 114, 116 on which the securing device 100 may set may be slightly curved or concave. The concave shape of the surfaces 114, 116 enables the securing device 100 to set solidly because the nature of a concave surface provides points of contact on the edges of the surfaces 114, 116. More specifically, the points of contact on the edges of the surfaces 114, 116 reduce the likelihood that the securing device 100 will tip when in use.

Reference is made to FIG. 3, which is a side view of the first surface 114 of the first platform 110, which is substantially similar to the second surface 116, FIG. 2, of the second platform 112. The first surface 114 has a first end 117 and a second end 118. A midpoint 120 is located between the first end 117 and the second end 118. The midpoint 120 is located a distance 124 from an axis 122 extending between the first end 117 and the second end 118. In some embodiments, the distance 124 is approximately 2.0 mm. The same type of curve may apply to the second surface 112 on the second platform 112. The curves in the surfaces 114, 116 are referred to as being concave. In other embodiments, the surfaces 114, 116 have different shapes.

The curves in the first platform 110 and the second platform 112 serve to stabilize the securing device 100 by assuring that it has contacts with the ground surface on which it is located. As described above, the securing device 100 is able to be set on the ground surface, which is aided by the concave shape of the surfaces 114, 116. The securing device 100 is typically used in a construction site, which does not have an even ground surface, so the shape of the surfaces 114, 116 helps stabilize the securing device 100 on the ground surface. The stabilization of the securing device 100 is further enhanced when the securing device 100 is made of a resilient or flexible material, such as polypropylene. By having a flexible platform 110 and/or 112, the securing device 100 will always have multiple contact points with the ground surface, even when a load is applied to the securing device 100.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a frame 126 is attached to the first platform 110 and the second platform 112. The frame 126 provides structural integrity for the securing device 100 and locations for some clamps that support rebar as described in greater detail below. A clamp 130 and a clamp 132 are connected to the frame 126. The clamps 130, 132 have openings 134, 136 that enable rebar to be pressed into the clamps 130, 132. The clamps 130, 132 have diameters 140. In the embodiments described herein, both clamps 130, 132 have the same diameter 140, however, in other embodiments, the diameters 140 may be different. The diameters 140 are sized for the clamps 130, 132 to receive and secure rebar. In some embodiments, the diameters 140 are sized to accept the largest diameter of rebar that will be used with the securing device 100. The clamps 130, 132 may be flexible so that the openings 134, 136 will open or expand to allow rebar into the clamps 130, 132. The clamps 130, 132 may also be resilient so that they return to their original shape after rebar is placed in the clamps 130, 132. in some embodiments, the clamps 130, 132 include reinforcing rings 138 that encircle or at least partially encircle the exterior of the clamps 130 132. The reinforcing rings 138 increase the strength of the clamps 130, 132 so that the clamps 130, 132 are less likely to break as rebar is inserted into and/or removed from the clamps 130, 132. The reinforcing rings 138 may also serve to cause the clamps 130, 132 to return to their original shapes after the rebar passes through the openings 134, 136.

The securing device 100 offers two different configurations to support rebar as described above. A first configuration is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the first platform 110 is placed on a ground surface. In such a configuration, rebar is placed in the clamp 130. A second configuration is shown in FIG. 4 where the securing device 100 is configured so that the second platform 112 is placed on the ground surface. In the second configuration, the clamp 132 is used to hold the rebar. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the distance between the first platform 110 and the clamp 130 is shorter than the distance between the second platform 112 and the clamp 132. Therefore, the configuration of FIG. 2 may be used for concrete that is not as deep as the configuration of FIG. 4.

Reference is made to FIG. 1, where a clamp 150 is shown in the second platform 112. The clamp 150 may be approximately the same diameter as the diameters 140 of the clamps 130, 132, FIG. 2. The clamp 150 serves to support rebar that extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the rebar that would pass through the clamp 130. Additional reference is made to FIG. 5, which shows a side elevation view of the securing device 100 from the second side 104. As shown in FIG. 5, the clamp 150 has an opening 152 that enables rebar to be received in the clamp 150. The sides of the opening 152 may be resilient enough to secure the rebar in the clamp 150 so that the rebar in both the clamp 150 and the clamp 130 do not need to be tied together. As also shown in FIG. 2, the rebar in the clamp 150 is located in close proximity to the rebar in the clamp 130. Therefore, both pieces of rebar may be used as reinforcing material in the concrete.

Reference is made to FIG. 6, which shows a side elevation view of the securing device 100 from the first side 102. A clamp 156 is located in the first platform 110, wherein the clamp 156 has an opening 158 that enables rebar to be received in the clamp 156. The clamp 156 is similar to the clamp 150 of FIG. 5. The sides of the opening 158 may be resilient enough to secure the rebar in the clamp 156 so that the rebar in both the clamp 156 and the clamp 132 do not need to be tied together. As also shown in FIG. 2, the rebar in the clamp 156 is located in close proximity to the rebar in the clamp 132. Therefore, both sections of rebar may be used as reinforcing material in the concrete. The rebar received in the clamp 156 extends orthogonal to the rebar in both the clamp 150 and 130.

In some embodiments, the clamps 150, 156 are formed into the platforms 110, 112, FIGS. 1 and 2, or portions of the surfaces 109, 110. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the clamp 150 has sides 160 and 162 that are not on the same plane, although, they may be parallel to each other. The clamp 156 has similar sides 164 and 166. Referring to the clamp 150, the sides 160, 162 on different planes enable the rebar to be more easily received into the clamp 150. For example, the opening 152 only has to open slightly because the side 162 will bend in a first direction that is substantially normal to its plane. Likewise, the side 160 will bend in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The bending causes the width of the opening 152 to expand, which enables rebar to be readily received in the clamp 150. Because the platform 112 is resilient, the sides 160, 162 return to their original shape, which reduces the width of the opening 152 and secures the rebar.

The securing device 100 may include a plurality of support structures in the frame 126 that support the rebar. Various support structures are disclosed herein, however, the securing device 100 may include other support structures and mechanisms. Referring to FIG. 4, the embodiment of the securing device 100 includes a member 170 extending between the second platform 112 and clamp 132. A member 172 extends between the first platform 112 and the clamp 130. The member 170 is substantially perpendicular to the second platform 112 and the member 172 is substantially perpendicular to the first platform 110. The members 170, 172 support the weight of the rebar relative to the platform 110, 112 on which the securing device 100 contacts ground or another surface on which concrete is poured. As described above, the platforms 110, 112 provide stable mounting of the securing device 100, so the weight of the rebar is applied normal to the surface on which the securing device 100 is set. Therefore, the members 170, 172 are less likely to bend or break under loads. It is noted that the loads may include workers who step on the securing device 100 and the weight of the rebar and the concrete.

The securing device 100 may also include truss-like structures that further support the clamps 130, 132. In the embodiments disclosed herein, a truss 174 is connected between the first platform 110 and the member 170 proximate the clamp 132. In some embodiments, the truss 174 contacts the clamp 132. A truss 176 is connected between the second platform 112 and the member 172 proximate the clamp 130. The truss 172 may be connected to the member 170 and/or the clamp 134. A truss 178 is connected between the member 170 proximate the clamp 132 and the member 172 proximate the clamp 130. The trusses described above serve to keep the members 170, 172 from bending and they offer further support for the clamps 130, 132.

While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rebar securing device comprising: a first platform; a second platform; a frame coupled to the first platform and the second platform; a first clamp coupled to the frame, wherein a first rebar oriented along a first axis is receivable in the first clamp; a second clamp coupled to the frame, wherein a second rebar oriented in a direction that is substantially parallel to the first axis is receivable the second clamp; a third clamp located in the second platform, wherein a third rebar oriented along a second axis is receivable in the third clamp; and a fourth clamp located in the first platform, wherein a fourth rebar oriented along a third axis is receivable in the fourth clamp.
 2. The rebar securing device of claim 1, wherein the first platform is substantially perpendicular to the second platform.
 3. The rebar securing device of claim 2, wherein fourth rebar is extendable substantially normal to the first platform and wherein the third rebar is extendable substantially normal to the second platform.
 4. The rebar securing device of claim 1, wherein the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis.
 5. The rebar securing device of claim 1, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the third axis.
 6. The rebar securing device of claim 1, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis, and wherein the third axis is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.
 7. The rebar securing device of claim 1, wherein the first clamp is substantially circular with an opening and wherein the first rebar is receivable in the first clamp by way of the opening.
 8. The rebar securing device of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first support extending between the first clamp and the first platform.
 9. The rebar securing device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first platform is concave.
 10. The rebar securing device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second platform is concave.
 11. The rebar securing device of claim 1, wherein the first and third rebar form a first plane when the first platform is located on a surface, wherein the second and fourth rebar form a second plane when the second platform is located on the surface, and wherein the first plane is substantially parallel to the second plane.
 12. The rebar securing device of claim 11, wherein the first plane is closer to the surface than the second plane.
 13. The rebar securing device of claim 1, wherein the third clamp is partially encompassed by a first ring and a second ring, and wherein the first and second rings are located in different planes.
 14. A rebar securing device comprising: a first platform; a second platform; a frame coupled to the first platform and the second platform; a first clamp coupled to the frame, the first clamp for receiving a first rebar oriented along a first axis; a second clamp coupled to the frame, the second clamp for receiving a second rebar oriented in a direction that is substantially parallel to the first axis; a third clamp located in the second platform, the third clamp for receiving a third rebar oriented along a second axis; and a fourth clamp located in the first platform, the fourth clamp for receiving a fourth rebar oriented along a third axis.
 15. The rebar securing device of claim 14, wherein the first, second, and third axes are orthogonal relative to each other.
 16. The rebar securing device of claim 14 wherein the frame comprises a first support extending between the first clamp and the first platform.
 17. The rebar securing device of claim 14 wherein the first support is substantially perpendicular to the first platform.
 18. The rebar securing device of claim 14 wherein the frame comprises a second support extending between the second clamp and the second platform.
 19. The rebar securing device of claim 14 wherein the first platform comprises a surface for setting the rebar support when the rebar support is in use, the surface being at least partially concave.
 20. A rebar securing device comprising: a first platform; a second platform that is substantially perpendicular to the first platform; a frame connected to the first platform and the second platform; a first clamp connected to the frame, the first clamp for receiving a first rebar oriented along a first axis; a second clamp connected to the frame, the second clamp for receiving a second rebar oriented in a direction that is substantially parallel to the first axis; a third clamp located in the second platform, the third clamp for receiving a third rebar oriented along a second axis; a fourth clamp located in the first platform, the fourth clamp for receiving a fourth rebar oriented along a third axis, wherein the first, second, and third axes are orthogonal relative to each other; a first support extending in the frame between the first clamp and the first platform; a second support extending in the frame between support connected to the frame, wherein the fourth rebar is receivable on the second rebar support; and a beam extending substantially perpendicular from the first surface to the first clamp. 